We have taken our boat in the Opening Day Parade a number of times in the past but this one was special. Why, you ask, because we were honored and privileged to have on board two young Marines. Lance Corporal Richard Schimkat III from Lake Havasue City, AZ and Private First Class Tyler Deutsch from Fargo, ND., 19 and 20 years old respectively. They quickly became Rick and Tyler to all on board.

They were exquisitely handsome in their brand new dress blues; the first time either had worn them in public. And after coming to attention while we passed in review, the ladies on the log boom took note!

We got so many positive responses from the crowd; lots of "Semper Fies", applause and salutes. We visited Meydenbauer Bay YC in time to hear the Husky Band which they loved. And again they were real crowd pleasers with many folks coming over to talk to them.

As I welcomed them aboard and gave them instructions on how to use the head, I wanted to tell them how much we appreciated them serving our country but the words stuck in my throat. I will correct that with a letter and pictures.

And the black scuff marks from their shoes on my newly varnished rail will serve as affectionate reminders of their presence for some time to come. God bless you Rick and Tyler and thanks for coming along.

P/C Bob Wheeler; MV CAROUSEL